Snake bites
Venomous snakes can sometimes bite without injecting venom. This is called a "dry bite", and it causes mild pain from the snake's teeth puncturing the skin as well as anxiety .
If there are no other symptoms, such as swelling, it's probably a dry bite.
You should still visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as signs that venom has been injected might not appear until later up to two hours or more after an adder bite, or even longer after an exotic snake bite.
Adder and foreign snake bites can cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms of an adder bite when venom has been injected include:
For foreign snake bites, symptoms may also include:
In the most severe cases, a venomous snake bite may cause:
Dial 999 to ask for an ambulance if someone is bitten by an adder or foreign snake and faints or develops symptoms of anaphylaxis .
In a small number of people, a snake bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. This can occur immediately after a bite or several hours later.
Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency. Left untreated, anaphylaxis can be life threatening.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Anaphylaxis can also cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to shock and cause symptoms such as:
Read more about anaphylaxis .
Someone who's been bitten by a snake may go into shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there's an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body.
Shock should always be treated as a medical emergency you should dial 999 to request an ambulance immediately.
Symptoms of shock include:
After calling an ambulance, lay the person down and raise and support their legs. Use a coat or blanket to keep them warm.
This is so staff can keep you under observation in case you develop symptoms that suggest venom has been injected.
As a precaution, you may be asked to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours so your blood pressure and general health can be monitored.
Antivenoms are antidotes to snake venom and are used to treat more severe snake bites. They contain antibodies, which are proteins that neutralise the effects of the snake's venom toxins.
In some people, antivenoms can trigger a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, so it's important you're closely monitored after receiving this treatment. Anaphylaxis is treated with adrenaline.
Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, antivenom should only be given by a qualified healthcare professional.
If the snake bite is severe and your blood pressure has fallen significantly, you may need intravenous fluids administered directly into a vein in your arm. You may also need a blood transfusion if you've lost a lot of blood.
Recovery times for snake bites can vary depending on the species of snake involved.
In most cases, children bitten by an adder will make a full recovery in one to two weeks.
Adults usually take more than three weeks to recover fully, with a quarter taking between one to nine months. Early treatment with antivenom can reduce these times.
During the recovery period, you may experience episodes of pain and swelling in the area that's been bitten.
These symptoms can usually be controlled by taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol , and continuing to exercise the limb.
Find out what to do if you or someone you're with is bitten by a venomous snake, such as an adder or an exotic species.
Immediately after being bitten by a snake you should: remain calm and don't panic snake bites, particularly those that occur in the UK, usually aren't serious and are only very rarely deadly
Venomous snakes can sometimes bite without injecting venom. This is called a "dry bite", and it causes mild pain from the snake's teeth puncturing the skin as well as anxiety . If there are no o
Follow the advice listed below if you're in an area where venomous snakes are found: look out for warning notices on heaths and commons wear boots and long trousers never pick up a snake, eve